As the interest in skiing and snowboarding has grown, so has the interest in unique winter events both on and off the slopes. Ski resorts across North America have answered the call with fun winter events, including everything from music festivals to winter celebrations to one-of-a-kind skiing experiences to food and drink festivals and much more. As you plan your ski trips for this season, look no further than our list for some of the best winter festivals and events at ski resorts across North America.<\/p>\n
As you return from your ski trip, rate and review the ski areas you\u2019ve visited here<\/a> to help other skiers and riders as they plan their trips.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Subaru puts on a winter festival every year that tours some of America\u2019s top ski resorts. It\u2019s a unique opportunity to test out Subaru\u2019s latest and greatest products alongside amazing music and plenty of fun. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate stands, s\u2019mores stations, and demo skis from Nordica at each stop on the tour. The 2026 Subaru WinterFest schedule includes Killington Resort, <\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Eldora Mountain Resort<\/a>, Copper Mountain<\/a>,\u00a0Snowbird<\/a><\/strong>, and Mt. Bachelor<\/a>.<\/strong> This year\u2019s music acts will include Shakey Graves, The 502s, and more.<\/span> See additional details here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Killington<\/a> | Copper Mountain<\/a> | Snowbird<\/a> | Mt. Bachelor<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Many cross-country ski enthusiasts in New England know the XC Ski and Chocolate Festival<\/a> all too well. It\u2019s been gaining popularity ever since it began over 30 years ago, earning the nickname \u201cthe sweetest day on the trails\u201d for its perfect combination of skiing and chocolate. The XC Ski and Chocolate Festival, put on by the Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation, <\/span> takes place in February, featuring 9 different chocolate stations spread out over 15 kilometers of trails. Stations include shops, inns, restaurants, and more. Guests can cross-country ski or snowshoe from station to station, taking in the gorgeous scenery while picking up treats along the way. A shuttle bus also runs between sweet stops for those who don\u2019t want to ski.<\/span><\/p>\n The 2026 XC Ski and Chocolate Festival event will be held on February 22. Tickets are $45 and go on sale December 1 (get your tickets before they sell out).<\/p>\n For many skiers and snowboarders, Waterbury might seem like just a scenic stop en route to Vermont\u2019s iconic ski destinations like Stowe. But from January 28 to February 1, 2026, the charming town of Waterbury will transform into a winter wonderland for the 16th annual Waterbury Winterfest. One of Vermont\u2019s most beloved winter festivals, Waterbury Winterfest features a vibrant mix of daytime outdoor and evening activities\u2014including unique sports like snow soccer and broomball, along with fat-tire bike demos and guided ski and snowshoe tours. As the sun sets, the festivities continue with live music, trivia competitions, and wine and beer tastings.<\/p>\n Although Waterbury isn\u2019t a traditional ski town, its location is ideal\u2014just a short drive from some of New England\u2019s best ski resorts like Stowe<\/a> <\/strong>and Bolton Valley<\/a><\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re carving slopes or soaking up the festive spirit, Waterbury Winterfest promises a weekend full of unforgettable winter fun.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Stowe<\/a> | Bolton Valley<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Typically held late in the season, WinterWonderGrass combines the thrill of winter sports with the soulful sounds of bluegrass music in Steamboat<\/strong><\/a>. <\/span>The festival features an outstanding lineup of bluegrass and acoustic roots artists and offers a diverse selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries.\u00a0<\/span>Attendees can enjoy the crisp mountain air while dancing to the lively tunes of both established and up-and-coming musicians. Beyond the music, WinterWonderGrass embraces the mountain culture, encouraging festival-goers to hit the slopes during the day and gather in the evening for the warmth of the festival\u2019s communal spirit.<\/p>\n WinterWonderGrass<\/a> will take place from February 28 to March 2 at Steamboat. <\/span>This year\u2019s lineup includes The Devil Makes Three, Leftover Salmon, and Elephant Revival. Check out the full lineup here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Steamboat<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Skiing, good food, and good drinks go hand in hand. After all, apr\u00e8s-ski is just about as important as the skiing itself. Jackson Hole<\/a><\/strong> brings all of it together for a special 3-day weekend featuring local and guest chefs, renowned winemakers, and more for the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest<\/a>. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure to enjoy multi-course dinners, whiskey tastings, cooking demos, tasting experiences, and unique events. This year\u2019s Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest is scheduled for February 26-28. Make sure you save the date for the Summer Festival, happening June 25-27.<\/p>\n The Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series returns to Aspen Snowmass<\/a><\/strong> in February and March with free live music, elevating what is already a vibrant apr\u00e8s-ski atmosphere in the heart of the Rockies at Aspen. This beloved series among visitors and locals alike brings the winter stoke with big-name artists. The 2026 Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series schedule will see shows on February 17 at Snowmass Base Village and March 27\u201328 at Aspen Mountain. Artists will be announced soon.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Aspen Snowmass<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You may not think of comedy shows when you think of ski towns, but then again, Telluride<\/strong><\/a> isn\u2019t your typical ski town. The Telluride Comedy Festival is now in its 26th year, bringing together some of the nation\u2019s funniest comedians for four nights of comedy over Presidents\u2019 Day Weekend. Since 1999, the historic Sheridan Opera House has hosted what is one of the most unique events you\u2019ll find in any ski town. Past performers have included Jason Mantzoukas (pictured below), Nick Kroll, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Jack McBrayer, and Natasha Leggero. The weekend includes free late-night after-shows, improv, and many other events.<\/p>\n The 2026 Telluride Comedy Fest kicks off on February 12. Get tickets on Sheridan Opera House\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Telluride<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Family festivals at Granite Peak Resort<\/a><\/strong> in Wisconsin center around major holidays. For Mardi Gras, the ski resort comes alive with tons of events, activities, and hidden surprises on the slopes. The Mardi Gras celebration takes place March 7-9, when guests can ski for free and celebrate Mardi Gras in all its glory. Skiing jesters from the Alpine Learning Center will be scattered across the mountain tossing out strands of beads, while the resort\u2019s social media accounts will be putting out clues for the traditional festival trailside scavenger hunt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Granite Peak<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Formerly known as \u201cCrazy Daze,\u201d Boyne Mountain<\/a><\/strong>\u2018s annual Carnival weekend transforms the resort into a full-on party with live music, costumes, and a slush cup race. Guests can expect themed events, on-slope antics, and apr\u00e8s-ski entertainment that spills late into the night. Whether you\u2019re plunging into icy water in costume or dancing slope-side to local bands, this festival guests to let loose, get silly, and enjoy a weekend of fun, friends, and fantastic skiing. This year\u2019s event is slated for March 21-22.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Boyne Mountain<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Fernie\u2019s annual Griz Days Festival, celebrating the legend of Griz, is the town\u2019s biggest event, taking place all across town, from Fernie Alpine Resort<\/strong><\/a> to Provincial Park to historic downtown Fernie. Griz Days typically takes place in late February or early March, with the 2026 event, celebrating its 49th year, happening from March 6-8. This year\u2019s theme has yet to be announced, but last year\u2019s was Vintage Formal\u2014complete with top hats, monocles, pearls, and fur as a nod to Griz\u2019s roots. Events include beer tastings, trivia nights, live music, a Griz parade, a craft fair, lots of activities for kids, and more. On Saturday, ski with Griz at Fernie Alpine Resort.<\/p>\n See the complete schedule of events on Tourism Fernie\u2019s website<\/a>. This is truly one of the most unique ski town events you\u2019ll find.<\/p>\n Check out Lodging options at Fernie<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Header image: \u00a9Subaru WinterFest<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\nNew England<\/h2>\n
Subaru WinterFest, Killington, Vermont (and other ski resorts)<\/b><\/h3>\n
XC Ski and Chocolate Festival, Intervale, New Hampshire<\/b><\/h3>\n
Waterbury Winterfest, Waterbury, Vermont<\/strong><\/h3>\n
West<\/h2>\n
Steamboat, Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"WinterWonderGrass](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/WinterWonderGrass_Palisades_Tahoe_2024_640x430_.jpg\")
Jackson Hole Food & Wine Winter Fest, Jackson, Wyoming<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Hole-food-and-wine-fest_640x430_.jpg\")
Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, Aspen, Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Bud](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Bud-Lite-Hi-Fi-Concert-Series-Aspen_640x430_.jpg\")
Telluride Comedy Fest, Telluride, Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Jason](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Comedy-Fest-web-6111.jpg\")
Midwest<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Mardi Gras Family Festival, Granite Peak, Wisconsin\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Granite](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Granite-Peak_Mardi-Gras_640x430_.jpg\")
Carnival Weekend, <\/b>Boyne Mountain Resort, Michigan<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Carnival](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Carnival-Weekend_Boyne-Mountain_640x430_.jpg\")
Canada<\/h2>\n
Griz Days, Fernie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Fernie](\"https:\/\/bucket-otsnews.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Fernie-Griz-Days_640x430_.jpg\")